Quick, colorful, and loaded with irresistible flavor, Scrumptious Homemade Fried Rice is the answer to busy weeknights and leftover rice dilemmas! This classic stir-fry brings together tender veggies, fluffy eggs, and perfectly seasoned rice in one glorious, crowd-pleasing skillet. Once you’ve tried this version, you’ll never crave bland takeout again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Customizable: Goes from fridge to table in just 15 minutes, and adapts beautifully to your favorite veggies, proteins, or spices.
- Restaurant Worthy Flavor: The combination of buttery sautéed veggies, savory sauces, and a hint of sesame delivers flavors that rival your favorite takeout.
- A Fantastic Use of Leftovers: Cooled, day-old rice transforms from leftovers to something utterly crave-worthy.
- Family-Friendly Comfort: Scrumptious Homemade Fried Rice is beloved by adults and kids alike—it’s hearty, nutritious, and always satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines with just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients. Each element brings its own magic: color, texture, depth, and that signature umami flavor that makes homemade fried rice absolutely scrumptious! Here’s what you’ll need (and why they’re important):
- Butter (3 tablespoons, divided): The secret to luscious, rich flavor and those toasty golden bits throughout.
- Large eggs (2, whisked): Adds creamy protein and a pop of color; scrambling separately guarantees perfect texture.
- Carrots (2 medium, peeled and diced): For sweetness and crunch—don’t skip these for that signature fried rice vibe!
- Small white onion (1, diced): Lends savory depth that builds the flavor base for the entire dish.
- Frozen peas (1/2 cup): Easy and classic. Use straight from the freezer—they’ll cook up bright and tender.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For those irresistible aromatic notes and a flavor punch.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning as you go and enhancing every bite.
- Cooked and chilled short-grain white rice (4 cups): Day-old rice is key—it fries up fluffy and never mushy.
- Green onions (3, thinly sliced): Brings freshness, mild bite, and vibrant color just before serving.
- Soy sauce (3–4 tablespoons, or more to taste): The classic seasoning—salty, savory, and bold.
- Oyster sauce (2 teaspoons, optional): Adds a layer of umami and subtle sweetness (but it’s optional if you don’t have it handy).
- Toasted sesame oil (1/2 teaspoon): A little goes a long way for that unmistakable nutty aroma at the very end.
Variations
One of the best things about Scrumptious Homemade Fried Rice is how endlessly adaptable it is. Don’t be afraid to use up produce from your fridge, adjust the sauces, or add a protein—truly, fried rice loves improvisation!
- Protein Power: Toss in diced chicken, ham, shrimp, tofu, or leftover roast pork to make this dish heartier.
- Veggie Frenzy: Swap in corn, bell peppers, baby spinach, or edamame for extra color and nutrition.
- Spicy Twist: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes, a swirl of sriracha, or a dash of white pepper if you like a little heat.
- Low-Sodium Choice: Use a reduced-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos for a lighter, still-delicious flavor profile.
How to Make Scrumptious Homemade Fried Rice
Step 1: Scramble the Eggs
Heat 1/2 tablespoon of butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the whisked eggs and cook, stirring gently, just until they’re softly scrambled with glorious golden streaks. Slide the eggs out onto a plate—you’ll add them back at the end for just the right texture.
Step 2: Sauté Veggies Until Tender
Add another tablespoon of butter to the pan. Toss in your diced carrots, onions, frozen peas, and garlic. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the carrots are just fork-tender. This is where the flavor base gets built!
Step 3: Fry the Rice & Combine
Bump the heat up to high and add the rest of your butter. Once melted, add the chilled rice, green onions, soy sauce, and oyster sauce if using. Stir well to break up any clumps. Sauté for about 3 more minutes—let the rice sit undisturbed between stirs to get those irresistible crispy bits. This is fried rice perfection!
Step 4: Finish & Serve
Return your scrambled eggs to the pan and gently mix them in for soft, rich threads throughout. Drizzle in the toasted sesame oil, give it all one last gentle stir, and taste for seasoning. Serve your Scrumptious Homemade Fried Rice piping hot—straight from the pan to the table!
Pro Tips for Making Scrumptious Homemade Fried Rice
- Ice-Cold Rice is Essential: Fresh rice gets mushy, so use cooked rice that’s been chilled at least a few hours (or overnight!) for best results and perfect fried rice texture.
- High Heat for Crispy Edges: Don’t hesitate to crank up the heat when frying the rice—those toasty, golden bits at the bottom are the hallmark of great fried rice.
- Butter Boost: Using butter (instead of just oil) adds a rich, satisfying flavor and helps with appealing browning.
- Let the Rice Rest: Resist the urge to stir constantly; let the rice sit undisturbed for a minute or so between stirs for maximum texture and authentic flavor.
How to Serve Scrumptious Homemade Fried Rice
Garnishes
Finish your Scrumptious Homemade Fried Rice with a sprinkle of extra green onions, a dash of toasted sesame seeds, or even a drizzle of sriracha for a punch of heat. I also love a squeeze of lime for a subtle tang that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
This classic fried rice shines as a main dish, but it pairs beautifully with potstickers, Asian-style slaw, edamame, or even a spicy cucumber salad. If you’re serving with other stir-fries or soup, it’ll steal the spotlight on any dinner table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, restaurant-style flourish, pack your hot rice into a small bowl, flip it onto plates for a perfect dome shape, and sprinkle with your chosen garnishes. You can also serve in lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held twist, or pile into bento boxes for a playful lunch or picnic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Scrumptious Homemade Fried Rice keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the rice cool to room temperature before sealing, and store promptly to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze fried rice! Allow it to cool completely, then portion into zip-top freezer bags. Flatten for easy stacking and quick thawing. Fried rice keeps well frozen for up to 2 months—simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Reheating
For the tastiest results, reheat your fried rice in a hot skillet with a splash of oil or water. Stir occasionally until piping hot and the grains are loosened. You can also microwave, stirring halfway through, but a skillet really brings the magic back!
FAQs
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Can I make Scrumptious Homemade Fried Rice with brown rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice holds up well in stir-fries—just be sure it’s chilled before using so that it fries up fluffy, not sticky. You might notice a slightly nuttier flavor and chewier bite, which is delicious!
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What kind of pan is best for fried rice?
A large nonstick skillet or a well-seasoned cast iron pan is fantastic for making fried rice at home—the high sides help with tossing, and nonstick prevents sticky rice. Any sturdy pan will work; just keep an eye out for sticking and adjust your heat as needed.
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Why does the rice need to be chilled?
Using cold, day-old rice helps the grains stay separate and fluffy, not mushy. Freshly cooked rice contains more moisture, which often leads to clumping and a less than ideal fried rice texture.
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Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep all your veggies and scramble the eggs in advance. The rice and veggies are best stir-fried fresh, but leftovers taste amazing for days—making this recipe perfect for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for homemade comfort with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, give Scrumptious Homemade Fried Rice a try. It’s weeknight-friendly, endlessly riffable, and always crowd-pleasing—just the kind of kitchen magic everyone should have in their back pocket. Enjoy every spoonful!
Print
Scrumptious Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sauté, Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This flavorful fried rice recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner. Packed with veggies, eggs, and seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Eggs:
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 large eggs, whisked
Veggies:
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Rice Mixture:
- 4 cups cooked and chilled rice (preferably short-grain white rice)
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 3–4 tablespoons soy sauce, or more to taste
- 2 teaspoons oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Cook the Eggs: Heat 1/2 tablespoon of butter in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the eggs, cook until scrambled, and transfer to a plate.
- Sauté Veggies: Add 1 tablespoon butter to the pan. Sauté carrots, onion, peas, and garlic with salt and pepper until soft.
- Fry the Rice: Increase heat, add remaining butter, then rice, green onions, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Sauté for 3 minutes, allowing the rice to crisp up.
- Combine: Add the eggs back to the pan, stir in sesame oil, and adjust seasoning with soy sauce.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later.
Notes
- For the best results, use a nonstick or cast-iron pan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
